monkeyfish-1 Reviews

McLibel: Two Worlds Collide (1998)

Once is not enough!

[9/10 · 27 September 2004]

This outstanding documentary should be seen by everyone who ever visited or even thought about visiting a McDonald's restaurant. It is utterly inspiring, real David and Goliath stuff.

The case is mentioned in the brilliantly researched, funny and informative book by Eric Schlosser, 'Fast Food Nation' but the documentary goes into far greater detail. Get your hands on it if you can.

I accidentally put this review on the 1997 mini series version of the same story. I haven't seen the dramatised version, but if it's anything like as good as this documentary,then it's probably worth watching too if you can find it.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Over-rated

[5/10 · 11 March 2004]

I'm sorry but I just don't get the big deal over this movie.

It is pure melodramatic schmaltz. Give me Cool Hand Luke or Papillon any day. Or how about Scum or even Chopper.

I have to admit I felt the same way about The Green Mile, maybe it's just Stephen King's view of prison I don't like. As if he has a clue!

I think he should just stick with the coming of age stuff (loved Stand By Me) and the isolated looneys (The Shining), things he can obviously relate to. Leave prison stories to the folks who actually leave their house.

Fargo (1996)

Such negativity!

[10/10 · 8 November 2002]

Boy, what's with all the whiny comments about this film? Either you like the Coen Brothers or you don't - no need to get personal!

I am a fan, and anyone who thinks they could sit down and write a Coen script over a few beers with their mates should try doing that some time. They are geniuses of the understatement and write the kind of observant blackly humourous dialogue I would kill to be able to write, (not-with-standing improvisational leeway with their always top-notch casts).

However I don't indiscriminately love everything they do. Films like 'The Big Lebowski' and 'O Brother' don't seem to hit the mark for me. But 'Blood Simple' and 'Fargo' are so brilliantly real and surreal at the same time I get a total high every time I see them.

'Fargo' is just great entertainment as far as I'm concerned. Frances McDormand and William H. Macy are amazing and Steve Buscemi is just always great. And by the way - it's not a true story - they were kidding.

Where the Buffalo Roam (1980)

Bill Murray is The Man.

[10/10 · 8 November 2002]

Bill Murray IS Hunter S. Thompson. I loved the book 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' and was so disappointed by the ludicrous cartoon-like portrayal realised by Johnny Depp in the film, 'Fear and Loathing'. His Thompson was simply buffoon-like and completely one dimensional, and despite everything else being good, (especially Benicio del Toro), for me, Depp ruined the whole feel.

Bill Murray on the other hand perfectly captures Thompson's eclectic, cynical intelligence and projects him as a whole 3-dimensional person who is believable, even through his substance-addled behaviour, from start to finish. Peter Boyle gives great support as his psychotic lawyer and I just can't recommend this film more highly! Watch it and decide for yourself.

McLibel! (1997– )

Once is not enough!

[10/10 · 21 October 2002]

This outstanding documentary should be seen by everyone who ever visited or even thought about visiting a McDonald's restaurant. It is utterly inspiring, real David and Goliath stuff. The case is mentioned in the brilliantly researched, funny and informative book by Eric Schlosser, 'Fast Food Nation' but the documentary naturally goes into far greater detail. Get your hands on it if you can.